October 28, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 170 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1344-E1345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING SERGEANT JAMES NICHOLS, RECIPIENT OF TEXAS' THIRD 
     CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2019 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. VAN TAYLOR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 28, 2019

  Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today, it is my privilege to honor twelve 
distinguished military veterans from Texas' Third Congressional 
District who answered the call to serve their Nation honorably, both in 
uniform and following their return to civilian life. The recipients of 
the 2019 Congressional Veteran Commendation exemplify the time-honored 
qualities of patriotism, service before self, and bold leadership. 
Following their time in service, their efforts in our community have 
earned these fine individuals recognition as the recipients of this 
prestigious commendation. Their stories of sacrifice will encourage 
future generations to pursue a life dedicated to the very values we 
cherish as Americans: faith, freedom, and democracy. One such hero is 
Sergeant James Nichols of Princeton, Texas.
   Mr. James ``Nick'' Nichols enlisted in the United States Air Force 
in 1967 as a Materials Specialist for the Strategic Airlift Command 
providing support operations during the Vietnam conflict until his 
discharge in 1971. For his service, Specialist Nichols was awarded the 
Air Force Achievement Medal.
   Mr. Nichols has found a multitude of ways to serve within our 
community, perhaps most notably as the Commander of Veterans of Foreign 
Wars Post 2150 in McKinney, a leadership role that he has held for 
nearly a decade. During his tenue with the VFW, he has led a number of 
community service initiatives including an outreach program for 
students centered on patriotism and a membership outreach program that 
engages community business leaders through the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs 
in McKinney.
   As a respected member of our veterans community, Mr. Nichols sat on 
the McKinney Armed Services Memorial Board where his efforts led to the 
successful completion of the Veterans Memorial Park in McKinney. In 
addition, Mr. Nichols has been an active participant in the local 
Marine Toys for Tots Program where he manages the coordination efforts 
for volunteers. Most recently, Mr. Nichols led fundraising efforts to 
support the Collin County Historical Museum's Centennial Celebration of 
America's entry into World War I, resulting in an exhibit that would 
honor the role of our Collin County soldiers in the Great War.
   Air Force Specialist James ``Nick'' Nichols is justifiably admired 
by a multitude of civic leaders for his efforts to support our veterans 
and military, ensuring that Collin County remain a stronghold of 
support for our defenders of freedom.
   Today, a grateful Nation thanks Specialist Nichols for his 
exceptional service and congratulates him on this recognition. May his 
steadfast example of leadership inspire others to live a life of 
service to a cause greater than

[[Page E1345]]

themselves. It is my extreme honor to award him the 2019 Congressional 
Veteran Commendation for the Third District of Texas.

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